Full Program »

3.7.2 Compassionate empathy and emotional fragility: Supporting the sensitive gifted child

For many sensitive gifted youngsters, their capacity to tune in to the feelings of others can be both a blessing and a curse. Acutely aware, these perceptive children have a capacity for care that exceeds their years. Yet, their intense concern can also threaten their emotional well-being as they may feel overwhelmed by the emotional intensity of those around them and may experience stress, anxiety, and inner turmoil. The purpose of this presentation is to compare the constructs of cognitive empathy, emotional empathy, and compassionate empathy, providing caring adults with successful tools for supporting and nurturing the emotionally gifted child.

Author(s):

Michele Kane
michelekane1@aol.com
Northeastern Illinois University
United States

Michele Kane, Ed.D. is a Professor of Counselor and Special Education at Northeastern Illinois University where she coordinates the Master of Arts in Gifted Education Program. Michele currently serves on the Parent Editorial and Content Advisory Board for the National Association for Gifted Children, is past-president of the Illinois Association for Gifted Children, and is a contributing author to six edited books and co-author of Planting Seeds of Mindfulness. Inspired by her experience raising six gifted children, a major focus of Michele's work is related to social and emotional needs of gifted, parenting gifted children, and spirituality and giftedness.